Happy Star Chinese Cuisine — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

We were caught off guard by the setup. It's similar to a Panda Express, which is very low on our list. There were several pre-made dishes behind a counter, and two huge containers of pre-made rice, white or very plain fried rice.

The dishes looked so unappetizing, we wanted to leave, but felt embarrassed. You are charged based on the "size" of your plate, but some are styrofoam containers instead of the small plastic bowls with lids. Very confusing. We ended up ordering mindlessly, just to get it over with. Our favorite place, Mayflower Chinese, was apparently closed on Tuesdays.

Our dishes were small plates of Kung Pao Shrimp and Bourbon Chicken. Neither was very good. The Kung Pao was loaded with zucchini, which isn't a normal vegetable to put in there. No red or green peppers, no baby corn. The sauce was ketchupy, with hot pepper thrown in. Shrimp was overcooked, rubbery and sparse. The fried rice had nothing in it but a tiny amount of fried egg, and oil.

The bourbon chicken was so overcooked, we both swore it had to be pork, The flavor of the sauce was OK, but nothing great. Again, a strange combination of vegetables, used as filler than creating an authentic dish. We were given a sample of the Curry Chicken, and it was just turmeric and oil.

We both agreed the egg rolls were the worst either of us had had in our lives. Nothing but hunks of cabbage is a soggy thick wrapping. We both thought of Totino's egg rolls, which are disgusting. Perhaps a sliver of carrot here and there. Half the size of what you would expect. The people behind the counter were trying to be helpful. The last thing we said is that if we were starving, we wouldn't go back. Overpriced, overcooked, not the correct ingredients for the dishes (likely cost related) and a poor value for the money. We left spending almost $20, then both got bad headaches within an hour, so the food ha to have MSG in it as well. WE seriously question the other reviews. The plastic utensils are included so you can see how small the dishes were. The main dish sat on a big...

After getting food here the second time since they first opened, my only regret is that it took me so long before returning. If I could give this place 7/5 stars I would, and even that would be a disservice as they deserve so much more based on their quality of food and service.

There aren't many places that you can praise for their service as much as you can with Happy Star. It's not just the friendly attitude or wonderful people there, but the little things that you don't expect and they still do as though it's second nature. Offering samples for different options they have available, making sure the food they serve is hot and fresh, even if there's already some prepared, and offering a discount on top of their already reasonable prices. It's like you're family there, and they have service on par with a Michelin star restaurant (not an exaggeration!).

I know the first instinct is to compare it to something like Panda Express, but honestly there is no comparison. Happy Star is what Panda Express wishes it was and then some.

Not only is the service and price incredible, but you can tell that they take pride in their food. There may be some items on the menu that some people may not recognize or be as familiar with, but I recommend any and everything they serve as even items I was hesitant to try would blow me away with how delicious it was (looking at you peanut butter chicken, never knew you could be the combination I've been looking for all my life).

Overall, do I recommend this place? Absolutely. Will you make it a standard rotation for dining out? 100%. Is this place going to replace all other panda express type chains in the near future? I sure hope so.

10 million happy...

I really enjoy eating here. The food is delicious and the portions are a great value for the price. I can definitely pack some food in my stomach, and the one item plus rice/lo mein fills me up. Hard to beat for less than $10.

They have a menu, but I always just get something from the hot and ready bar. It's a good selection of the usual American style Chinese food, but also has some recipes that I haven't seen at most places. Recently they had an item just labeled "BBQ chicken nuggets". Not a very descriptive title for what it was, which was expertly grilled dark meat chicken that was tender and juicy. That was finished with a slightly sweet sauce that had been cooked to give it a bit of a crisp from the caramelized sugar. Not too sweet, as folks like to say. I definitely hope that this is something that shows up regularly there.

Regardless of what you get though, you won't leave hungry. The combos even come with a beverage (canned drink or bottled water, which I like). Also, they are always so nice whenever I'm there. It's a real mom and pop style place.

It's in a convenient location, easily accessible by bus line and there's plenty of parking. Bonus points for having a Starbucks literally next door, if you're looking to get an after meal chain coffee.

I'd recommend it to anyone who wants good food at...